Levi Leipheimer Wins on Mt. Baldy; Chris Horner Keeps Lead

MOUNT BALDY, May 22, 2011 (Bicycling.com/AFP) - Levi Leipheimer took care of business during a short but taxing day in the saddle, edging fellow American Chris Horner to win the seventh stage of the Tour of California on Saturday.

“Our team was perfect today,” said Leipheimer. “You don’t get to experience that much in professional cycling. To experience a day where everyone clicks was incredible.

"There wasn’t a lot of talking between us today because we knew exactly what each person on the team was doing; we didn’t need a lot of communication. The team had a solid performance and everyone did their jobs; it was just a really special and amazing day. The work they did really allowed me to win. There was never a threat, so I was able to ride for a stage win with Chris on my wheel. I really have to thank the boys for that.”

Leipheimer and Horner crossed the finish line near the alpine village of Mount Baldy with the same time, then joined hands and raised their arms over their heads.

"Levi kicked it, and I was just hanging onto the train," Horner said.

Leipheimer and Horner broke from the rest of pack with less than three kilometres remaining, making the final climb in tandem.

Horner has a 38-second lead over Leipheimer in the overall standings.

The grueling seventh stage featured just three flat kilometres in the final 48 km and one of two summit finishes in the eight-day event that was shortened to seven race events because of bad weather last Sunday.

Leipheimer said it seemed like he was back in Europe.

"The course is spectacular. It felt like the Tour de France," he said. "I hope this becomes a staple in the Tour of California. It'll be an iconic stage."